Useful information
Driving License Categories
Length, Width, and Height
A centre-axle trailer combination must not exceed 18.75 metres in total length. The combined external lengths of the load spaces must not exceed 15.65 metres, and the distance from the front of the towing vehicle’s load space to the rear of the trailer’s load space must not exceed 16.40 metres.
Exemptions may be granted for vehicles exceeding standard dimensions:
- Maximum width: 2.60 metres
- Maximum height: 4.20 metres
Maximum Permissible Mass
Passenger car trailers (category O1–O2) are towed vehicles designed for transporting passengers, goods, or for recreational purposes. They are classified based on total mass as follows:
- Category O1 (light trailer): Total mass does not exceed 825 kg.
- Category O2: Total mass exceeds 825 kg but does not exceed 3,500 kg.
Braking Requirements
Trailers are categorized based on braking systems:
- O1 (light trailer): With a maximum gross vehicle weight of 825 kg, brakes are not mandatory.
- O2: Trailers with a total mass over 825 kg but not exceeding 3,500 kg must be equipped with mandatory brakes, including an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Drawbar Weight
A general guideline is that the drawbar weight should be around 10% of the trailer’s total weight, typically between 30–100 kg.
For unbraked trailers, the drawbar weight should be less than 5% of the trailer’s total weight.
Incorrect drawbar weight can negatively impact driving stability and pose a serious safety risk on the road.
All trailers manufactured by Bestnet Oy have been type-tested.
Driving license
See more information: https://www.autoliitto.fi/tiedote/riittaako-ajokorttisi-kevytperavaunun-vetoon
Inspection
A trailer that belongs to a type-approved model does not need to undergo a registration inspection if its total mass does not exceed 825 kg.
Other trailers with a gross vehicle weight between 825 kg and 3,500 kg must be inspected every two years from the year they are first put into service.
Registration
To register a trailer, the following requirements must be met:
- Proof of ownership must be provided.
- Continuous motor liability insurance must be in place.
- If the registered owner is different from the manufacturer, a certificate of transfer of ownership must be submitted.
If someone other than the owner is handling the registration process, including collecting license plates or registration documents, they must present a power of attorney.
For more details, visit: www.trafi.fi.
Loading the trailer
Before loading the cargo on the trailer, be sure to find out the weight of the load to avoid overloading.
High-density materials such as bricks, sand, etc. are extremely heavy, even with a small volume, and it
is easy to overload the trailer with them. An overloaded trailer can become uncontrollable.
Please note! If the trailer is fitted with accessories (e.g. plastic cover, extra side panels, spare wheel, etc.), their weight must also be added to the weight of the load.
The weight of the load must not exceed the load capacity of the trailer!
Here’s how to find the load capacity of a trailer:
Load capacity = Laden mass – Unladen mass
Also, before you start driving with a load, make sure that you do not exceed the maximum actual mass of
the towable trailer permitted by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle. This is indicated in the registration certificate of the vehicle.
Loading and positioning the cargo
Only load the load on the trailer that is connected to the coupling. The parking brake of the towing vehicle must be applied!
Position the center of gravity of the load above or as close to the trailer axle as possible. In the case of a trailer with several axles, place the center of gravity of the load between the front and rear axle, in the center.
The load loaded on the trailer must be secured to prevent it from moving during transport.
When transporting objects, fix them to the lashing eyes of the trailer with load straps. Use load
straps of the appropriate strength for the weight of the load. The strength of the load strap is indicated
on the data plate of the strap. Only use straps with a legible data and without damage or knots.
For loose bulk materials (sand, gravel, etc.) that cannot be secured with straps, it is recommended
to cover them with a load cover and select a lower travel speed to prevent dangerous situations.
Before driving
Before you travel first time with the trailer tighten the wheel bolts to 95 Nm. Tighten again after the first journey.
Before driving, always check the following:
- the coupling head must be properly locked on the ball mount and the safety cable or emergency brake cable (trailer with brakes) must be connected;
- all the lights on the trailer are working properly;
- the tyre pressures of the trailer are uniform and range from 80 to 100% of the maximum pressure marked on the tyre;
- the residual tread depth of the tyre is correct;
- the load is securely fastened;
- hatches, extra side panels and other accessories are attached;
- the support wheel is raised to the upper position and locked in the travel direction;
- the handbrake is released (trailers with brakes).
Right of Complaint
AKU trailers come with a two-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects in accordance with the European Union’s consumer protection directives. Additionally, national consumer rights may apply. For more information on country-specific requirements, please contact your local consumer protection authority.
If You Notice a Defect
If a defect occurs:
- Stop using the trailer immediately to prevent further damage.
- Submit a complaint to the dealer where you purchased the trailer as soon as possible.
- Attach:
- Photos of the defect.
- A document proving the purchase of the trailer.
Exclusions – Warranty Does Not Cover:
The warranty does not apply to damage or issues resulting from:
- Failure to follow the operating instructions.
- Misuse of the trailer or negligence.
- Violation of road traffic regulations.
- Unauthorized modifications to the trailer.
- Normal wear and aging.
- Exposure to corrosive environments during use or storage.
- Mechanical damage caused by improper use.
Complaint Handling
Complaints are processed in cooperation with the manufacturer’s representative. The manufacturer will not reimburse repair costs for defects handled independently.
Print the complaint form here.
